'It wasn’t Pat Cummins' best day as captain and bowler' - Tim Paine on Australian skipper's performance on Day 2 of Manchester Test

Day 2 of the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester began in the best possible manner for England as veteran James Anderson dismissed Pat Cummins off the very first ball. It was a sign of things to come as the hosts dominated proceedings on the day with their 'Bazball' ploy finally expressing itself in its full glory.

After being bundled out for 318, Australia dismissed the in-form Ben Duckett in the third over. However, Zak Crawley and Moeen Ali formed a swashbuckling partnership to send the Aussies on the back foot. The latter was dismissed after scoring a fluent half-century. Crawley was in a mood to entertain though as he stitched an enterprising 206-run partnership alongside Joe Root. The right-handed opener eventually departed for 189, while Root was dismissed 16 runs short of yet another ton. The home side ended the day at 384/4, with a lead of 67 runs.

Australian captain Pat Cummins looked out of sorts as nothing worked against the attacking English batters. He didn't have a great time with the ball as well because he conceded 93 runs in 16 overs at an economy of 5.80. Former Australian captain Tim Paine noted that it wasn't the Aussie pacer's best day on the field but backed him to come back strongly on Day 3.

“When the ball is flying around like Zak Crawley and the Poms had it flying around last night, it can go pear-shaped and I think Pat would admit he didn’t get everything right yesterday, but he’s not going to. He’s never going to. No captain is ever going to," Paine told SEN Tassie Breakfast.

“All you can hope is he comes back tomorrow and they’ve had a good think about how they’re going to slow the run rate down and build a bit of pressure and try and get some wickets that way. It certainly wasn’t his best day as captain. It wasn’t his best day with the ball and it wasn’t his best day with the field. Pat Cummins’ career would suggest he’ll get it right tomorrow because he doesn’t get it wrong often,” he added.

Rain forecast for Days 4 and 5

With two Tests left including the ongoing Manchester rubber, Australia need only one draw to retain the Ashes. The current holders of the coveted urn will have it in the back of their minds that the last two days of the fourth Test are expected to be affected by rain.

England did well to bat at rapid rates to push for a result. However, if there is very little action on Days 4 and 5, owing to the predicted rain breaks, Australia might eke out the draw that they require.